Rolls-Royce was selected for the HEETE (Highly Energy Efficient Turbine Engine) advanced technology program to design next-generation propulsion systems for the US Air Force. The development work is being carried out by the company's LibertyWorks research unit in Indianapolis, Indiana, US. In 2007, the US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) awarded the program to Rolls-Royce in a contract that is valued at $24.3 million.

HEETE is a technology development program that pursues high temperature, high pressure ratio compressor technologies and their related thermal management features. While HEETE is currently focused on an advanced compressor demonstration, the goal is to define the next generation engine architecture for subsonic missions, such as Transports, Tankers, ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance), and Subsonic Strike Vehicles.

Tom Bell, Rolls-Royce, President Customer Business – Defense, said, "By achieving the goals of the HEETE program with our demonstrator, Rolls-Royce will have proven, advanced compressor technology that can be applied to future transport, patrol and ISR applications, ranging from our successful AE family to larger engine applications, to meet the future needs of the US military by increasing range and reducing fuel consumption."

"The Rolls-Royce advanced technology HEETE program is yet another example of the successful work carried out by our LibertyWorks unit. LibertyWorks has successfully designed and tested propulsion technology through the ADVENT program, as well as research conducted for NASA and the major US airframe companies. Rolls-Royce continues to lead the way on advanced technology programs."